Strategic Finance Associate
Critical Materials Group · Austin, TX
Works directly with the CEO to build and maintain the operating model, budget and rolling forecast, and supports government proposal pricing. Turns operating data into analysis for decisions on capital, capacity and programs, and prepares board and investor materials.
What you'll do
- Build and maintain operating model, annual budget and rolling forecast
- Explain monthly variances between actuals, budget and forecast
- Build pricing models and bid estimates for government proposals
- Deliver ad hoc analysis on capex, capacity and make vs. buy
- Prepare board and investor reporting and support capital raises
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or a related field
- 2 to 5 years in investment banking, PE, VC, corporate finance, or FP&A; strong internships considered for new graduates
- Advanced financial modeling in Excel or Google Sheets, including three statement models and valuation
- Clear communicator able to present to executives and the board
- Comfortable building processes and models from scratch
- May require U.S. person status due to export controlled information
Nice to have
- Exposure to industrial, defense, or manufacturing companies
- Familiarity with government contract types and proposal pricing
- Experience with ERP data, SQL, or BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau
- Progress toward CFA, CPA, or similar credential
Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Equity
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Sign-on bonus where applicable
Skills
Outlined skills are listed as required.
Full original description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Strategic Finance Associate
Department
Finance
Location
Austin, TX
FLSA Status
Exempt
Employment Type
Full Time
Position Summary
Critical Materials Group (CMG) is a federally licensed energetics manufacturer rebuilding America's defense industrial base, and is building its finance function from the ground up. The Strategic Finance Associate owns the forward view and answers the question: what should CMG do next? Working directly with the CEO, this analyst builds and maintains the operating model, budget, and rolling forecast, supports proposal pricing, and turns operating data into the analysis behind decisions on capital, capacity, and programs. This is an early career role, open to new graduates and candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience, with direct exposure to executive and board level work. Accounting, the close, and government compliance sit with CMG's Senior Controller; FP&A builds on that foundation.
Key Responsibilities
Operating Model, Budget & Forecast
• Build and maintain CMG's operating model, annual budget, and rolling forecast, including cash runway.
• Compare actuals to budget and forecast each month and explain variances, using closed books from the Senior Controller.
• Track KPIs for production, program margins, headcount, and cash, and keep leadership dashboards current.
Proposal Pricing & Bid Support
• Build pricing models and bid estimates for government proposals, using indirect rates set with the Senior Controller.
• Model program returns and margins across contract types, including firm fixed price, cost plus, and other transaction agreements.
Strategic & Ad Hoc Analysis
• Analyze capex, plant capacity, make vs. buy decisions, and program economics as CMG ramps production.
• Deliver fast, well reasoned ad hoc analysis for the CEO on operating and investment decisions.
• Use data from CMG's newly implemented ERP to automate recurring reports and analysis.
Board, Investor & Capital Support
• Prepare board and investor reporting packages, KPIs, and presentation materials.
• Support capital raises, lender and investor diligence, non dilutive funding, and M&A with models, analysis, and data room preparation.
Partnership With the Senior Controller
• Rely on the Senior Controller for accurate actuals, indirect rates, and compliance guidance; FP&A does not own the general ledger, close, billing, or DCAA compliance.
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, corporate finance, or FP&A; strong internship experience will be considered for new graduates.
• Advanced financial modeling skills in Excel or Google Sheets, including three statement models and valuation.
• Clear, concise communicator who can present findings to executives and the board.
• Comfortable building processes and models from scratch with limited structure.
• This role may require U.S. person status due to access to export controlled information.
Preferred
• Exposure to industrial, defense, or manufacturing companies.
• Familiarity with government contract types and proposal pricing.
• Experience with ERP data, SQL, or BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Progress toward a CFA, CPA, or similar credential.
Total Rewards
This role is eligible for CMG's total rewards program, which includes a competitive base salary, equity, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a sign on bonus where applicable.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Based in Austin, TX, working closely with the CEO, with occasional travel to CMG sites, including the Ballinger, TX facility. Site visits may include manufacturing and laboratory areas where personal protective equipment and site safety protocols are required.
This job description reflects the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Critical Materials Group reserves the right to amend this description at any time.